September 23, 2013

Cuba Study Group

Washington, DC - The Cuba Study Group released the following statement today following news of the passing of independent journalist and Cuban economist Oscar Espinosa Chepe:

“It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of our great friend Oscar Espinosa Chepe. Oscar dedicated his life to building bridges between Cubans and to advocating for greater economic and personal freedoms on the island.

Few Cubans enjoyed the kind of respect and admiration that Oscar did inside and outside of the island. His passing will be mourned throughout Cuba’s provinces and cities around the world, as the reach of his work and his personal warmth seemed to have no borders.

Oscar was fortunate to share his life with his wife Miriam Leiva, a dedicated civil society leader, independent journalist and loving wife who was at his side until the end. He will be sorely missed, as we not only lose a trusted collaborator and loving friend, but a great Cuban and a leader whose life work was dedicated finding a peaceful road toward a more prosperous and free Cuba.”

Oscar Espinosa Chepe passed away today in Madrid, Spain, where he was receiving medical treatment. He had planned to return to Cuba to continue his work alongside his wife Miriam Leiva.